ADAMS CENTER  Hi-Lite Airfield Services will receive more than $7.1 million in loans through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development program to buy new equipment and create up to 10 jobs, Rep. William L. Owens announced Wednesday.

The Adams Center-based company, which offers airfield maintenance services across the U.S. and internationally, will buy two large water blasters and other equipment that will help it expand operations, CEO John McNeely said in a release.

With this loan, we expect we will be able to create between eight and 10 local jobs in the course of the next year, he said.

Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, called the loans smart investments that will help grow the local economy.

This companys story shows why investing in small businesses is one of the best ways the government helps the private sector, he said. I look forward to working with Hi-Lite as the company grows.

The company has offices in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, with international locations in Canada, Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates.

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